Readymade Frames vs. Custom Frames

How to Pick the Right Option for You

Tuesday, June 12, 2018 10:02 AM

Picture this: you’re on your way to the store to pick out a frame for a picture you recently had printed. On your way, you see a custom frame store. You think to yourself, what’s the difference? Turns out, there are more differences between a readymade frame and a custom frame than you may think.

Readymade Frames

These frames are already assembled when you purchase them. They’re prepared in a manufacturing facility and will come prepackaged with a pane of glass, cardboard behind the photo, and all hardware you’d need for hanging the frame. These frames can be put either on a table or hung on a wall, and come in a variety of standard sizes. These frames can be found almost anywhere, including big box stores such as Target or Walmart, design or craft store, and even photography shops.

Custom Frames

When you purchase a custom frame, it will be made especially for you. Custom frames will come in specific dimensions you won’t be able to find in a readymade frame, and are commonly used to frame specialty pieces such as oil paintings, watercolors, and large size photographs. With custom frames, you can pick out your exact dimensions, the color of the matting around the photograph, and the material and style of the frame. You can purchase the frame without the backing or glass, or you can have the framer assemble it all so it’s ready as soon as you pick it up. Custom frames are typically the more expensive option out of the two.

Which One Should I Choose?

While this decision is completely up to you, custom framing should be chosen when you have a piece that doesn’t have normal dimensions or is special to you and your family. Custom framing can give you the options you need like frame material and custom dimensions, however, it will take more time and money to reach the final product. If you’re not picky about what the frame looks like and need a quick option, a readymade frame is the way to go. Readymade frames are very versatile, which make them an easy and budget-friendly option for anyone. If you’re looking to have custom framing done for a special piece in your home, contact Richard Sumner Frames at 650-322-3330. We can help you through the entire process, from picking the frame material to the matte color, and will even install the proper hardware for hanging your beautiful new picture. Contact us today!